Changeable sign



R. A. GRAY CHANGEABLE SIGN May 16, 1939.

Filed April 19; 1958 In [harder @Mwm.

Attorneys 2 sheet sheet 2 v Filed April 19, 1938 Attorneys Patented May 16, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in signs for use particularly along highways and has for its primary object to provide a novel construction, combination and 5 arrangement whereby a novel and attractive display will be made especially at night when the device is illuminated by the lights of approaching automobiles or from any other source.

Other objects of the invention are to provide 10 a sign of the aforementioned character which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, reliable in operation and which may be manufactured, installed and maintained at low cost.

15 All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference I 20 designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a view in vertical section through the device, taken substantially on the line 22 25 of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of the rotary disc.

Figure 4 is a view in front elevation of the stationary disc.

Figure 5 is a view in front elevation of the supporting structure.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in vertical longitudinal section through a portion of the spindle and the rotary disc retaining means. 3 Referring now to the drawings in detail it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a metallic post I which rises from a suitable base 2. Projecting horizontally from the upper end portion of the post I is an integral arm 3 from the forward end of which a spindle 4 extends. The spindle 4 is smaller in diameter than the arm 3, thus providing a shoulder 5.

Fixed on the inner portion of the spindle 4 is a disc 6 of suitable material. As illustrated to advantage in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the disc 6 abuts the shoulder 5. Mounted on the front face of the disc 6 is a plurality of reflector buttons 1. The reflector buttons 1 may be of any suitable color or colors. In other words, they are not necessarily all of one color.

Journalled on the outer portion of the spindle 4 is a rotary disc 8. The rotary disc 8 is spaced from the stationary disc 6 by a collar 9 on the spindle 4. As shown to advantage in Fig. 6 of the drawings, a retaining disc I is provided on the free end of the spindle 4 for the rotary disc 8, said disc I0 being secured to said spindle by a screw l I. A washer I2 is interposed between the disc I0 and the end of the spindle 4.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, it will be seen that the rotary disc 8 has formed therein a plurality of openings 13 through which the reflector buttons 1 are exposed. The openings I3 are arranged as desired and. it will be noted, said openings may be of numerous different shapes. Fixed on the periphery of the rotary disc 8 is a plurality of wind vanes or blades Hi.

It is thought that the operation of the invention will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. When the disc 8 is rotated on the spindle 4 by the wind, through the medi- 15 um of the blades 14, light from any suitable source, such as the headlights of approaching automobiles, is reflected by the buttons 1 in a novel and attractive manner through the variously shaped and arranged openings l3 in said disc 8. The pitch of the blades 14 is such as to prevent too rapid rotation of the disc 8 regardless of the velocity of the wind. If desired, the disc 8 may be driven by a suitable motor. Also, a suitable bearing may be provided for the rotary disc 8 on the spindle 4. A key 15 (see Fig. 5) is provided on the spindle 4 for securing the stationary disc 6 against rotation.

It is believed that the many advantages of a changeable sign constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood and although a preferred embodiment of the device is as illustrated and described, it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts may be'resorted to which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:

A highway sign comprising, in combination, a base, a post rising from said base, an arm extending horizontally from the upper portion of the post, a spindle projecting longitudinally from the free end of said arm, said spindle being smaller than the arm for providing a shoulder. a stationary disc mounted on the spindle in abut- 45 ting engagement with the shoulder, a plurality of reflector buttons mounted on said stationary disc, a rotary disc journalled on the spindle in opposed relation to the stationary disc, a spacing collar on the spindle between the rotary and stationary discs, said rotary disc having a plurality of openings therein for the reflection of light from the buttons, means on the spindle for retaining the rotary disc thereon, and a plurality of wind blades mounted on the periphery 55 of the rotary disc for actuating same.

RAYMOND A. GRAY. 

